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Feature - July 10, 2020

California Counties Keeping COVID-19 Emergency Bail Schedules

At least 31 California counties home to 80 percent of the state's residents have kept COVID-19 emergency bail schedules to help curb the spread of the virus in jails and surrounding communities during the pandemic, according to data from superior courts.

Superior Courts

Feature - June 30, 2020

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

The budget cuts $200 million from the state court system, though $150 million could be restored if the federal government sends additional aid by the fall.

Judicial Council

Superior Courts

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

Feature - February 25, 2020

San Diego Superior Court Restores North County Probate Services

Starting Monday, March 2, North County residents will no longer be required to drive to downtown San Diego to file their probate matters.

Superior Courts

Services shut down during the budget crisis are restored at 325 Melrose Drive in Vista, giving north county residents access to family services.

Feature - June 27, 2018

What's in the Judicial Branch Budget?

Governor Jerry Brown signed a state budget on Wednesday that will help restore court services slashed during the recession, fund courthouse projects, and improve access to justice for millions of Californians.

Superior Courts

Feature - March 7, 2018

Millions of Californians Without Lawyers Find Help in the Courts

Facing growing numbers of civil and family law litigants representing themselves, courts are expanding services offered through “self-help” centers.

Superior Courts

Feature - February 2, 2018

California Courthouses: Building Safer, Stronger, Better Facilities for the Public

Since 2002, the judicial branch has overseen the addition of 29 new safe and accessible court facilities around the state, improving access to justice for millions of Californians.

Courthouse projects

Judicial Branch Facilities Program

Superior Courts

(Scheduled to open Fall 2016) Merced County spans 1,935 square miles, so building a full-service courthouse in Los Banos, with room to expand, assures residents have access to justice within a reasonable distance for years to come. More

Feature - July 27, 2017

The Trial Court Funding Formula, Explained

While the model has helped equalize funding gaps across counties, chronic underfunding of the judicial branch has complicated its rollout.

Superior Courts

Feature - January 23, 2017

The Governor's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18

Charts and summaries provide information on the governor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2017-2018.

Judicial Branch Summary

Feature - August 26, 2016

Status of California's Courthouse Construction Projects

Courthouse projects in various stages—all require funding to continue. Others are indefinitely delayed.

Council Approves “Complete Next Step Then Hold” Plan for New Courthouses

County Present Facility Needs Aug 11, 2016

Print Report

Court Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Page

Feature - December 20, 2021

2021 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to challenge the state’s ability to ensure access to justice for the citizens of California. But like the previous year, California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Judicial Council supported the courts as they remained flexible and innovative to ensure the justice system was open and vital services remained accessible to the public.

Judicial Council